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How To Spot Signs of Termites in Your House

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Key Takeaways

  • Termites often cause serious damage before homeowners notice them.
  • Early signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, frass and discarded wings.
  • Don’t disturb termite activity. Document what you see and call in a licensed pro.
  • Annual inspections and moisture control are the best ways to prevent future damage.

Termites are destructive pests that often wreak havoc quietly. Homeowners may not notice any damage until the situation becomes severe, and the speed at which termites can chew through a home is shocking. Even a “smaller” colony of 60,000 can eat one-fifth of an ounce of wood a day, meaning this “small” colony can go through more than two feet of wood a year.

That might not sound like a lot, but remember that termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage every year. … Read Full Post »

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Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail for the video included in this post

Key Takeaways

Artificial turf offers a consistently green, low-maintenance lawn, but it comes with considerations like heat, upfront cost and proper installation. This guide walks you through the pros, cons and what to expect before making the switch.

Every homeowner wants a lush backyard where they can sit back and relax or watch their kids play. However, there are a lot of issues that can arise from a traditional lawn. For one, maintenance and caring for your lawn takes consistent time and energy. Even when caring for your lawn properly, you can still find yourself dealing with disease or insects. Also, water conservation has become increasingly important, and what was once a beautiful green patch of lawn may now be scratchy and brown. 

For all these reasons, you may have considered artificial turf. Artificial turf is great because it looks beautiful year-round, saves water and … Read Full Post »

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How to Organize a Neighborhood Safety Meeting

. Posted by in • Houston

Neighborhood Safety Meeting

Organizing a neighborhood safety meeting is a great way to bring your community together to strengthen security and support crime prevention. Whether you’re part of a neighborhood watch program or want to make your neighborhood safer, you can create a space where local citizens can discuss safety concerns and work together. By getting involved, you’ll be helping to make your neighborhood a safer place in your country. To start, reach out to your local police office and invite your neighbors to join in this important effort

1. Plan the Meeting

Begin by contacting your neighbors and the local police department. Let them know you’re organizing a neighborhood watch or crime prevention meeting. It is a great way to bring your community together and focus on neighborhood safety. Choose a time and place that works for most people. A park or community center is ideal for creating a welcoming … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
Hot water heater leaking

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a tankless water heater

Key Takeaways

Tankless water heaters deliver energy-efficient, on-demand hot water and can save space and money, but they’re not the right fit for every home. This guide breaks down how they work and what to consider before upgrading.

Are you considering making the switch to a tankless water heater? Before you dive in, there are a few things that you should know about how tankless water heaters work.

First, you should understand the difference between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater. The main, most obvious difference is how water is stored. A traditional water heater stores water in a large, insulated tank. It keeps the water continuously hot so that it’s always ready when you need it. 

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not store water. Instead, they heat water … Read Full Post »

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Volunteering Opportunities in Your Community: Where to Start

. Posted by in • Houston

Volunteering Opportunities in Your Community: Where to Start

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in your community and even impact the world. Whether you want to provide meals at a food pantry, serve in a soup kitchen, spend time with residents at a nursing home, or participate in a mission trip, there are many ways you can contribute and learn new skills.

Food pantries and soup kitchens are great places to start if you want to help feed those in need, as you can volunteer to sort food donations, prepare meals, or serve food to the community.

If you’re interested in traveling and helping communities in need, mission trips provide opportunities to build homes, teach, or deliver medical aid.

Volunteering regularly, even if it’s just once a month, can make a big impact, and it’s a chance to develop new skills and make new friends. Whether you’re providing meals, offering … Read Full Post »

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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

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How to Create a Community Recycling Program

. Posted by in • Houston

How to Create a Community Recycling Program: A Simple Guide

Creating a community recycling program is a fantastic way to help the environment and promote sustainability. Start by appointing a recycling coordinator who knows how to manage the program effectively. Next, get the community involved by reaching out to residents, businesses, and organizations to build support and encourage participation.

Develop a clear plan that outlines what materials will be recycled, how they will be collected, and where drop-off points will be located. Make sure this plan fits your community’s needs. Educate everyone about recycling through workshops, flyers, and social media to explain why recycling matters and how to do it correctly.

Set up convenient recycling options, like drop-off bins or curbside pickup. Regularly track the program’s progress and gather feedback from participants to make improvements. By promoting recycling, you’ll help reduce landfill waste, save resources, and make a positive impact on your … Read Full Post »

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Expert Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

. Posted by in • Tyler

Even without snow, East Texas winters bring chilly winds, heavy rain, and unexpected cold snaps that can test your home’s comfort and durability. A few quick checks now can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home healthy all season long.

Homeowner Tips for Winter Readiness

Winter in East Texas might not bring blizzards, but it still comes with chilly winds, heavy rain, and sudden cold snaps that can take a toll on your home.  Our expert pest, lawn, and handymen teams compiled a few simple steps to help you care your home and avoid expense repair costs.

1. Seal Up Before It Cools Down

Start with the basics: check your windows, exterior doors, and garage seals. A tight seal keeps warm air in and cold drafts and pests out.

  • Pro tip: Close your garage and turn off the lights. If you see sunlight peeking through, it’s time to replace those seals before temperatures drop.

2. … Read Full Post »

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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Early signs of termites

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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